Tazewell County Board Member Jay Hall is facing criticism over a comment he made on social media regarding Greta Thunberg’s appearance.
In a Facebook comment this week, Hall said the Swedish climate change activist “looks like she has Mongoloid-ism…Down syndrome [sic].” Hall has since deleted his Facebook page.
Board Chairman David Zimmerman said he’s disappointed in Hall’s comments, but is unsure the code of conduct allows them to take action.
“I have talked to Jay and I know he regrets using those words,” Zimmerman said. “He was speaking not in a board capacity, so I think what we could do as a board would be limited.”
Zimmerman said the board could pass a resolution or censure disassociating itself from the statements, but likely won’t because the comments weren’t made in the context of county board business.
He said Hall is expected to issue a statement or apology later today.
Hall also serves as president of the Pekin AMBUCS chapter. The non-profit aims to help people with disabilities gain mobility by providing Amtrykes, as well as speech and occupational therapy.
Hall did not return a request for comment.
